Change Lives

Saturday, 31 December 2011

I spent the last afternoon of 2011 at the Seaside with a dog that has made such a huge impression in such a short time. Your all aware of Dudley's story, but its amazing the interest this handsome boy gets wherever he goes. He made a lot of new friends this afternoon both canine and human, and as the year grows to a close I feel honoured that I've shared some of it with him.

To all our friends, helpers and supporters, thank you and Happy New Year.

When we agreed to "forever foster" Shabby we were lead to believe we were taking on a skinny little old lady lurcher. Following treatment for a nasty case of mange it now seems we have a tubby little lurcher puppy! I thought having brought up a Labrador I knew all about doggy excitement but this little girl takes the biscuit:-)

From a scabby looking underweight elderly looking dog who would no doubt have been put to sleep had she not been lucky enough to be picked up by you, we have a thriving young dog who has made our home hers. She may not be the most beautiful dog but she's all ours and we thank you for giving her and so many other dogs a last chance.

A VETERAN charity volunteer has pledged to continue his vital fundraising work in 2012 ... despite problems caused by moving his makeshift cafe to a new location.

Dedicated Derek Hepple, 70, says takings have dipped and he is faced with increased logistical problems since switching his homemade catering operation from the driveway of his home to a public car park across the road, on the Northumberland coastline.

The former police officer raised more than £10,000 for dog rescue charity SHAK by selling hot drinks and scones every Sunday from two caravans parked on the driveway of his home in Marine Drive, Seaton Sluice.

But a year ago he was cut back to just two Sundays a month by council bosses following complaints from his next-door neighbour about the scale of his fundraising activities.

The decision – which only gave him temporary permission for another 12 months – resulted in less money for SHAK and worries that he could be stopped altogether.

Later a new compromise was reached under which Derek was allowed to resume running the cafe every Sunday and Bank Holiday, but had to move it to the nearby car park.

The new arrangement has now been running for 10 weeks and he admits that business has been slow – with weekly takings of between £110 and £140 compared with the £250 he was making for the charity from his driveway.

Yesterday Derek said: “I used to have the two caravans on my drive, which passers-by couldn’t miss, but now I only have one caravan in the car park, and I’m behind a bit of a hill.

“It was horrendously quiet when I first moved over, but that is also to do with the time of year.

“Every Sunday I have to tow the caravan across to the car park, open the barrier and physically wheel two portable generators over and power them up. It is a lot more work and hassle than it used to be. I have had lots of people say they thought I had given up, but I’m still here every Sunday from 7.30am until it gets dark.”

Derek raises funds for Bedlington-based SHAK – Safe Homes and Kindness – which rescues abandoned, mistreated and sick dogs that would otherwise be put to sleep.

He said: “They currently have about 70 dogs to look after so income and funding is needed more than ever.”

Anyone who wants to support SHAK should visit www.shak.org.uk, SHAK

YOU CAN SUPPORT DEREK AND US TOMORROW AS HE IS OPEN AT FOUNTAINHEAD CAR PARK, SEATON SLUICE.

Thought you might like to see Dudley putting his health problems behind him and enjoying a swim this afternoon. He loves the water so much, seeing him move so easily without the weight of his body on his limbs brings tears to my eyes.

Christmas has come and gone for another year, and the support we have received has been amazing. Treats, toys and a whole load of food started to arrive a few days before Christmas and is still arriving now. Thanks to everyone who has donated, and also to the people who took the time to arrange the collections. We got a huge amount from both Pets At Home in Cramlington and Hillheads Dog Training Club, Whitley Bay Pet Supplies and the girls from Seaton Lodge Stables. We appreciate every bag or tin, and the support you give by donating to us, so thank you.

I'd also like to my team for giving up they're Christmas to give our dogs a wonderful one. This year I was even forced to take Christmas day off to spend time with my little girl, and the team came up trumps to cover. We do a difficult job, and in the cold bleak winter it becomes even harder. The dedication that's been shown over Christmas has been magnificent, right from the kennel hands to the fundraisers, so on behalf of me and the dogs, thank you all so much.

Speaking of the kennels, work has continued despite the holidays. I'm delighted to say that Suki has continued her recuperation after her cruciate ligament operation, and this week is moving into a full time Forever Foster home to continue her progress.

Dudley appears to be walking better again, but obviously it's taking it day by day. He is such a strong dog, a real fighter and he adored what may of been his first family Christmas, he also saved people buying me slippers as he never moved from on my feet all day.

Friendships and romances are still blossoming at the kennels, and big Hugo is the latest to show an interest in the girlies.

Saturday, 24 December 2011

Just a quick reminder that Derek is open at Seaton Sluice on Boxing Day for coffees and hot drinks. Open from 7.30 at Fountainhead Car Park, till it gets dark, so why not walk the Christmas Dinner off on the beach and then grab a brew.

Heres the results of the SHAK Christmas raffle. Thanks to everyone who bought and sold tickets, to everyone who donated prizes, and to Joan who ran the whole thing! Thanks to all your efforts a whopping £1,000 was raised.

Prize

One hours Flying Lesson donated by J Denning of Ceramic Tiling

Ticket no 2024 Winner Les C.o Northern ...Vin Capstaff

Driving Lessons Donated by 1st Auto Skill

Ticket no 1293 Winner John T

Weekend in Log Cabin Donated by Bliss in the Sticks

Ticket no 1010 Winner Gary Hardington

Flight in a Microlight Donated by Ed McCallum.Skyline Loft Conversions

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

After a couple of days being lame on one of his front legs, I took Dudley to the Vets this morning, and I'm afraid it isn't good news. It would appear that the Arthritis and Neurological condition is now starting to effect the font leg with all the sores on, and the out come has just taken a turn for the worse. We have agreed to give him some extra medication and see if there is any improvement, however I know I must begin to face up to the fact that I am going to lose a dog that has taught me so much. Dudley leaves an impression every where he goes. He is so brave and lovable, this world is so cruel at times. I love him so much, but have to do the best thing for him. In the meantime he is getting pampered more than you could ever begin to believe.

I'd just like to say thank you to Chris Page and Avanta for choosing us as a beneficiary of the company's generosity. Congratulations to Chris for winning his award at the annual awards ceremony, and thanks to Avanta for making part of his price a cash donation to us. Merry Christmas.

I'm sure you can all remember Coco (who is now called Holly) the chocolate Labrador who came to us grossly overweight having been booked in to get destroyed. Well here's some photos and and an update from her new Mam and Dad:

"Thought we'd give you a little update on Holly..

She's settling in well, loving all her walks and sniffing out new things.We've managed to get nearly 7.0kgs off her since we took her home.. i don'tthink she's that upset about not getting that extra sandwich any more!!!

Her paws are slowly healing too, think we've even got a few tufts of furgrowing through!

The pics were taken at the weekend at Tynemouth.. she's even managing alittle run now!! we've not mastered fetch with her yet, but we're workingon that one!!"

Monday, 19 December 2011

After spending some time in foster with Uncle Geoff and her pal Harvey I'm delighted to say Roxy has moved onto a full time home of her own.Roxy is a special girl who deserves so much more out of life. Here's some pictures of her at her new Mam and Dads office. Thanks so much to Lesley and Geoff for making this happen.

"just a quickie to let you know that suki is making herself at home !! i have a bit of a shadow though and she doesnt want to let me out of her sight and even has to sleep next to my side of the bed !!! kelly x"

Friday, 16 December 2011

Today saw the first ever SHAK Supporters 200 Club draw. We've had a good response to our brand new venture, however as yet we haven't sold all 200 numbers. It was decided to continue with the draw, and the "blanks" go under the guise of SHAK with any winnings remaining with the charity, meaning entrants had the same chance of winning as if all the numbers were sold. Typically the results of this months draw came out as below:

1st Prize = 118 - SHAK

2nd Prize = 12 - SHAK

3rd Prize = 99 - SHAK

Anyone looking to purchase any of the remaining numbers can do so by downloading and posting a form from the "You Can Help" page on this website.

Thursday, 15 December 2011

I'm pleased to say that Suki is recovering well after her operation today. A phonecall tonight confirmed she was quite comfortable, had ate some tea, and had even put a little weight on that back leg when she'd gone out for a toilet walk. I'm pleased I picked her up, and I'm pleased that she'll get the best treatment as she gets her life back on track. Proud of you Suki.

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Another whirlwind week has seen a lot of progress on all fronts, so forgive me if this update seems like a list. First of all some BIG THANK YOU's to the people who make all of this possible.

Last weekend the SHAK Tombola was once again at Pets At Home in Cramlington. Thanks to Joan, Sheila, Angie and Sonia for giving up their weekend to raise another fantastic amount. Also of course, thanks to Ant and his staff, and the customers of P at H for inviting us. Saturday also saw Elaine team up with Jen and Little Pixie Rabbit Rescue for a stall at Cramlington Craft Fair. Thanks to Elaine and thanks to Jen for arranging what sounds like a really fun day. Sunday of course saw Derek brave the elements once again to help us. I'm sure there are a lot better things he could do with his Sunday, yet he still turns out week in week out to raise funds for us. So thank you so much Derek.

The response to our food appeal recently was fantastic, but we always need more. Thanks to Whitley Bay Pet Supplies for another brilliant donation to help us through Christmas.

I've mentioned in the previous post about the support we have from Manchester, and on behalf of me, the SHAK team and the SHAK dogs, a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Kate and Lend Lease for a fantastic donation. The support Kate has given us over the last six months is nothing short of amazing, but thanks to the generosity of Lend Lease and her hard work we are now £1,500 better off to help keep the dogs warm through the winter.

Up at the kennels there has been some great work too. A new romance is blossoming with Honey and Riley becoming a nice couple, and they really do have some fun playing catchy kissy. Things are hectic right now, but I will try and get some photos of them playing soon.

Speaking of fun, its now official. Dudley has a better social life than me. On top of his swimming twice a week (he now refuses to get out of the pool, he loves it that much) today he went for a massage. Thanks to Trevor at 4 Paws Hydro therapy, Duds is improving and using his back legs more, and although we can't cure his condition he is definitely enjoying life. No bigger example than today when he actually fell asleep during his massage. Thanks Rachel for taking time to help him, the snores proved just how much he enjoyed it.

The pretty girl in the picture above is Suki, a lovely Saluki that I picked up as a stray. The picture is of a very nervous and frightened girl, who had a chain around her neck and a terrible limp. After serving her time we took her to the vets yesterday to find she has a ruptured cruciate ligament and needs an operation. Once again, Moorview Vets came up trumps, not only offering her the best treatment available, but by Kerry one of the staff also offering Suki a temporary foster home whilst she recovers. Above and beyond the call of duty, thank you.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

The support we received last weekend was once again amazing, and I really mean that. I can remember when every penny raised for this charity was pretty much raised by me getting various parts of my body waxed or doing a sponsored something or other, so personally to have the number and events and supporters that did us proud last weekend really does mean alot.

During the day on Saturday it was the Little Snorters Christmas Party. I believe there was some great fancy dress costumes (on the dogs) and a great time was had by all. Thanks once again to Joan and Sheila for taking along the SHAK Tombola and a thank you also to Leah O'Sullivan for both the invite and the donation. The support we are gaining from the "Doggy World" is brilliant, and even more so when its the little dogs helping there less fortunate bigger pals.

Sheila and Joan then moved onto the Blue Bell Pub in Jesmond Vale for the SHAK Christmas Party. Thanks to Nic and all his staff and customers for another fantastic night. It was great to see some familiar faces who'd come along to lend support, even from as far afield as Manchester! Although I think the journey is worth it just to see Snarf the German Shepherd roaming the bar for strokes.

Sunday saw Derek brave the wintry conditions once again to sell hot drinks to cold dog walkers down at Seaton Sluice. This week I think a special mention goes to his wonderful wife Sandra, who despite some personal issues still insisted on making sure Derek had enough delicious scones to sell come the Sunday morning.

On behalf of everyone at SHAK thank you all so much. We have around 70 dogs in our care, and turn others away every day as we simply do not have the room to take them in. We couldn't help the ones that we do without your help. I'm just looking at Dusty, Dudley, JD and Star all curled asleep at my feet as I write this. Four SHAK dogs that found their way to my house. They'd probably be dead if it wasn't for your support. Thank you.

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Sunday, 27 November 2011

This week has been another one of those weeks that just flies by in a flurry. It also so the first anniversary of us losing old Jack. Jack was a wonderful old guy that came to us after his owner had been taken into hospital and then died. Jack collapsed just a few weeks later with spinal problems, and it was time for him to be back with his owner. Although the damage to the spine was the cause, I really think that he died of a broken heart. He was such a lovely dog, he left a big impression with his temporary SHAK family.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the bag pack at Sainsburys in Cramlington yesterday. It was a fantastic day, and the team were made to feel very welcome by the staff and management of Sainsburys. So thank you to them, and of course thank you to everyone who supported us.

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Today was another big day for Duds, as he began his Hydro Therapy sessions. Work started today with the water filled treadmill, but you could see he was itching to get into the big pool! Thanks to Trevor at 4Paws Hydro Therapy for taking the time with Dudley, and I think its safe to say that Duds has made another friend.

The photo above shows how Duds himself feels about it all, he's worn out.

Anybody that would like to contribute towards the Hydro sessions can do so by donating via paypal (shak@shak.org.uk) a cheque sent to the usual address or via text (Simply text SHAK01 £10 to 70070) Thank you.

Saturday, 19 November 2011

I know that you'll all probably be getting bored of seeing pictures of Dudley now, but I can't help but share these with you after another wonderful walk on the beach with my shadow this afternoon. At one stage he even tried to play with a ball daft Labrador, he just couldn't keep up though. Seems the sunshines every time we go to the Seaside, but even in the rain sharing these trips with him would be so great.

I'm delighted to say that after a weekend sleepover that turned into a three week vacation, Lexi has decided that she doesn't want to come back to the kennels. Alison and Michael have shown her so much love, and trips to the beach and then the pub, that I guess it was a tough decision for her to make. Lexi is a wonderful girl, such a treasure and good company. She should never of been with us, I'm so pleased she has found love. Only one thing remains left to sort out..... Alison when can I come and stay?

This weekend marks the second anniversary of Derek fundraising for SHAK down at Seaton Sluice. Despite the problems that were well documented this year, Derek's efforts on a Sunday have still raised the charity just under £17,000. A truly fantastic figure, and I think it is also important to thank the people that go down on a Sunday and support Derek in his efforts.

SHAK has grown unbelievably in the last two years, and the money raised by Derek has been a big part in that progress. So thank you Derek and Sandra for such wonderful work and support, and thank you to everybody that has bought a coffee over the last two years!

You can congratulate Derek tomorrow at Fountainhead Car Park, Seaton Sluice as normal, next to the toilet block. Thank you.

I'd like to say a big thank you to the SHAK Fundraising team for another packed week of fundraising. Thanks to Carol, Angie, Sonia and Nicola for taking the SHAK Tombola to Manor Walks Shopping Centre in Cramlington on Saturday. At the same time Sheila and Joan were at Jollyes Pet Store in Blyth with the Tombola Two. Thanks to the management, staff and customers of both venues for making us so welcome. Then of course Sunday saw Derek brave the rain for another full day of coffee making. The new venue means new customers, so thanks not only to Derek and Sandra but to everyone old and new who is supporting us.

Sunday, 13 November 2011

I had a lovely time with Dudley at the Seaside yesterday afternoon as the sun was shining. Coming up from Kent I don't know if he has even seen the sea before. He got such a fright when the first wave broke around his feet. Still he found a stick and we had some fun. In fact he didn't want to come out of the sea when it was time to go home.

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Today has been a very difficult one for me personally, but also for the SHAK Team and one of our long term fosterers. Of course that means that dogs have been effected, and in one instance paid the ultimate price.

Dudley was at the vets again for x rays on his back, and as expected it wasnt good news. There is definite arthritis present in his spine, you can see that clearly on the x rays, but also after several tests there appears to be some neurological damage too. Discs don't appear on x rays so an MRI scan costing four figures would be the only way to rule out Disc Disease and even after surgery the damage by the arthritis would mean he could never be fixed. It's the vets belief that my original and worst fears are perhaps the case, and that Dudley is suffering from CDRM, a condition that is rife in German Shepherds. There is no cure, all we can do is give him as much love as we can and be brave when the time comes. The ironic and almost sickening thing is that the X-ray also showed Dudley to have exceptionally good hips, something so many other GSD's don't have. Last night I slept with Dudley on the floor, if it was to be his last night with us (just a fear I had) he was going to be cuddled. Tonight he is still very groggy from such a traumatic day, but he is still getting the cuddles.

It's very sad that today too we lost the first ever Forever Foster dog, Max the German Shepherd. A beautiful sable boy, Max came to us with a weak backend, skin problems and suffering from nose bleeds. Eventually we got him well enough to look for a home, but because of his health nobody wanted him. That's when I came up with the Forever Foster scheme and enabling the dogs with health issues to get into homes by assisting with their vet bills. When Dawn met Max it was love at first sight, and he went on to have 3 years of a fantastic life, that we never thought he'd get. Ironically today his backend became too much for him and he lost the fight. Or did he? The simple fact he's left a family devastated and people like me feeling lucky to of help such a brave boy, means he was the winner in my eyes. Run free Max, you were an inspiration to this charity in ways you can't imagine. Our thoughts are with Dawn and her family.

To make matters worse we were alerted at 7.30am to a dog that was eventually destroyed at 10am this morning because we couldn't find space for another large dog. The sickening experience we have faced today with Dudley and Max makes this loss of life that could of been avoided so much harder to take.

Thank you to Anthony and all the regulars at the Blink Bonnie in Christon Bank for what sounded a great Pub Quiz on Monday night. Support like this really means a lot to me as I remember the days when I had to raise every penny myself. Thank you guys so much.

Monday, 7 November 2011

Thank you to all the staff and management at SAGE who chose to support SHAK on their October Charity Dress Down Day. Your support came as a welcome boost and tremendous surprise. Thank you to Fiona for arranging this.

Saturday, 5 November 2011

I'm sure you remember Little Miss Brindle who made a massive impression on me and my family earlier in the year. Well he she is (now Maisie) with her best friend Rube. She looks so happy and so content. Thanks Dave for sending this.

I can't believe that its this time again, but please don't forget tomorrow is Sunday, and therefore coffee time with Derek at Fountainhead Car Park, Seaton Sluice tomorrow.

It's been a busy seven days for fundraising, so thank you to everyone who has donated either financially or with food. Special thanks to Della and all the staff and customers at Wynsors World Of Shoes in Benton for last weeks fantastic Halloween fundraiser. Joan and Sheila were also there with the famous SHAK Tombola, and they also did a fantastic job at the Metro Centre today, so thank you ladies for giving up your weekends and all the hard work.

Thank you also to Heather for buying some insulating mats for the kennels, and to the management of Endurancemats who kindly expanded the order by donating a whole load more. As the cold comes in these mats will make a massive difference. Thank you.

I'd also like to thank everyone who has joined the SHAK Supporters 200 Club. Places are still available. Anyone else who would like to join can so via printing off the forms above.

I know this photo is blurred (maybe he was going to fast) but I thought I'd show you Dudley running after my Sky and Star. A week ago this dog was due to be destroyed as he was "unable to be rehomed." Today he ran like any other dog having fun.

Here's Dudley settling in with some new friends. You can't actually see on these photographs, but my other 5 dogs off lead with him here, and he tried his utmost to keep up with them all. He thinks the world of his new pals, and they all think the world of him.

Thank you to Lucy and the girls at Bella's Dog Grooming for giving him a bath and a makeover yesterday. He looks and smells gorgeous now.

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

With Dudley arriving in such dramatic circumstances on Sunday its meant I haven't been able to introduce Kes who also arrived this weekend. Kes is a little Lurcher who has got herself into bother after originally being abused. She is a playful girl, who is here to be assessed.

Kes has cheated the vets needle before, but this time we were there to provide an alternative. I'm just pleased we could help her.

Some progress for Dudley today as Jonathon from Moorview rang with the results of his blood tests from Monday. The level of Calcium in his blood came back as normal, which is a good sign, however there is chronic and active infection. The plan is to continue with his current medication and then have x rays next week to see if the infection is causing the problems with Dudley's rear end.

In himself he appears stronger and the drinking isn't so obsessive. I'm hoping its not just wishful thinking, Dudley is a real hero of a dog and it feels like he's been he forever. We will do all we possibly can to get him through this.

Monday, 31 October 2011

After attaching himself to everyone he has met in the last 36 hours, having Dudley feels as if he has been around for ever. Tonight I braced myself for the trip I was dreading and took him to see Jonathon at Moorview Vets. After losing Scooby less than 2 weeks ago, and Spirit with bone tumours, I really was dreading this trip.

Jonathon was brilliant with him, and we have a little hope depending on blood test results. There appears to be a thickening of one of his anal glands, which in turn may be the reason of the excessive drinking. Excuse my lack of medical knowledge here as I try to explain this the best I can. The blood tests will determine how much calcium is in the blood, a high rate and we may have something unpleasant to deal with. So we are waiting for the results to come back.

After a thorough examination, Jonathon believes that the problems with his back end may be due to discs, whilst the front paw, pictured above may be due to some old ligament damage. Although known of which we can address until we have the test results back.

So tonight Dudley is back in my front room, we have done the best we can for him now we must wait. But boy is this boy worth the wait.

Who We Are.....

Stephen Wylie and one of the SHAK dogs Donnie.

And What We Do.....

Celebrating its 10th anniversary on June 19th 2016, SHAK has come a long way since its founder Stephen Wylie uttered those fateful words ‘never again...’ after the shock death of his dog and best friend Shak.

The hundreds of dogs whose lives have been changed because of that loss is testament to a dog that had a lasting imprint on everyone he met.....

Today the registered charity has approximately 70 dogs inits care, offering sanctuary to the ones that really need it or a place to simply become a dog again for others.

Working only with destruction cases from vets, strays anddogs from our trusted charity partners, SHAK does not take in dogs from members of the public. Likewise we are not a rehoming centre, although we do offer the opportunity for people to apply for our Forever Foster project.

We concentrate all of our time, energy and resources directly into the well being of our dogs, enriching lives that others had written off.....

Keep Calm

Ways You Can Donate.....

Donate By Text.....

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Vodafone, and provide a simple and effective way of you to help us "Save Even More Dogs On Death Row."
Simply text SHAK01 £10 to 70070 to donate to Shak (Safe Homes And Kindness) and make a difference today. You can donate any amount upto £10 by simply changing the amount in the text, and the best thing is we get EVERY penny.
Thanks in advance for your support.

"It's A Dogs Life....."

A Blog page to show all the work that goes on behind the scenes at SHAK.

A brief insight into how our dogs get here, and what they do when they get here…..

(Please note, all opinions and views on here are exactly that, OUR opinions and views ony.)